ONLY 3 days to go until my 5k walking challenge. Still time to make your much needed last minute donations. Remember 'every little donation will make a BIG difference'

In December 2024 - March 2025 I spent 4 months in hospital after being diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a rare and serious neurological disorder in which my immune system mistakenly attacked my peripheral nerves, causing rapid-onset muscle weakness, numbness and paralysis.

During this traumatic period, the support and care provided by the spinal rehabilitation unit in Musgrave Park Hospital was invaluable to myself and to us as a family. A huge part of that support came from Horatio’s Garden, based within the Musgrave Park Hospital Spinal Unit.

This beautiful, tranquil space gave us a sense of normality when everything felt upside down. We spent many visits there, outside of the hospital ward, in a calming environment that I seen first hand has a positive impact on all the patients.

The Musgrave Park garden features heated pods with kitchen facilities where we could enjoy a cup of coffee and a biscuit together as a family.

Beyond being a place of comfort, the garden offers horticultural therapy, areas for indoor and outdoor activities, seasonal events, and arts programmes - all funded by generous donations.

A year on from my discharge, I am still in recovery but have decided to raise some much needed funds for the Horatio's Garden NI charity by setting myself a challenge for 4th April 2026 of walking 5k with family and friends and to support me my daughter Claire is going to complete a 10k run on the same day.

If you’re able to, please consider donating to this incredible cause that’s so close to our hearts. All proceeds will be going directly to Horatio's Garden at the Musgrave Park Hospital Spinal Unit who continue to provide a much-needed sanctuary and support to spinal injury patients and their families.❤️

Thank you in advance for your contribution, no matter how small, to this cause that means so much to me.